EssilorLuxottica and US company Applied Materials have joined forces to accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation intelligent optical systems for augmented reality and AI-powered smart eyewear.
Combining complementary expertise and intellectual property, the new partners said they aim to shorten the path from breakthrough innovation to manufacturable and scalable optical solutions via joint research conducted at Applied Materials’ Silicon Valley lab.
“We believe the convergence of advanced optics, AI and wearable technologies will unlock a new generation of experiences for consumers,” said Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO, EssilorLuxottica. For decades, EssilorLuxottica has advanced innovations in lenses and visual performance, helping redefine how people experience the world around them, he said.
Together, the two companies will research and develop advanced optical technologies, including waveguides, adaptive lens systems and materials innovations that could enable future intelligent lenses and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Waveguides are fundamental to AR devices, providing the optical layer into which projected images can be coupled, guided through and emitted from a transparent lens while maintaining visibility of the real world, the companies said in a joint statement.
Light-adaptive and electro-active lenses dynamically adjust tint, offering vision and wellbeing benefits in all light conditions, while advanced lens encapsulation technologies help preserve the optical performance of AR display systems, the companies said.
